Jolyon Palmer: “A strong, solid weekend would be nice”

Jolyon Palmer finally found a good balance on his Renault Sport F1 RS16 during the Russian Grand Prix weekend following the installation of a new floor on his car, and hopes for further progress at the Circuit de Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

The 2014 GP2 Series champion finished outside the points in thirteenth in Russia, but with team-mate Kevin Magnussen securing his and the team’s first points of 2016, Palmer knows a points finish is possible, and is eager to make it happen sooner rather than later.

“A strong, solid weekend would be nice,” revealed Palmer. “We’ve made progress with the car and I’m happy with the balance and how it drives again.

“Kevin scored points for the team in Russia so we know what’s possible. It’s the first race in Europe and at a track we all know really well. I’m pretty pumped-up for a strong weekend.”

Palmer knows what to expect from the Circuit de Catalunya having tested there during the pre-season tests with the team, and admits that the track has not been kind to him in his career, with a double podium during his GP2 championship season the highlights.

“I’ve been there many times and it’s a track that most Formula 1 drivers know extremely well, even just from the pre-season testing we’ve already done there this year,” insisted Palmer.

“From a driving point of view we know exactly what to expect, however it’s traditionally the first circuit where you see a lot of updates brought so you can see some differences in relative competitiveness depending on who’s got updates, and how well those updates work.

“I had a double podium in 2014 with two second places in the GP2 Series with some good overtakes in two fun races there. It’s not been a circuit that’s been especially kind to me, but it’s a good challenge and one I enjoy.”